Football: First, second team offense

At right guard, the 6-foot-2, 255-pound Butler was described by his coach as an "outstanding" drive blocker, moving straight ahead, and was also capable of getting out on sweeps and downfield to confront defensive backs. The senior did not play as a junior, but he spent a great deal of time in the weight room and gained 45pounds of muscle over the past two years.

With the help of his blocks, Joppatowne ran for more than 4,000 yards.

He is expected to continue playing football next year, probably at a Division III school.

MICHAEL CAMPANARO River Hill, running back

The Hawks' senior was the Howard County Offensive Player of the Year and made a strong case for the All-Metro award, as he led River Hill to a 14-0 record, a second consecutive Class 2A state crown and a third straight trip to the title game.

The Wake Forest-bound Campanaro, 5-10, 175 pounds, used his field vision and instincts to rush for 1,848 yards and 29 touchdowns. He caught 17 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns, threw a 43-yard touchdown pass and returned seven punts for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also made eight interceptions and scored three more times, including once in the 2A final with a strained hamstring.

Over his career, he was 41-1 with the Hawks and ran for more than 6,500 yards and nearly 90 touchdowns. A two-time All-Metro first-team selection, he has been invited to participate in the Under Armour All-America game, as one of the top 90 high school players in the country, Jan.4 in Orlando, Fla.

BILLY COSH Arundel, quarterback

Cosh's 56 touchdown passes and 3,913 passing yards set single-season state records and had everyone in the metro area talking.

Arundel coach Chuck Markiewicz said Cosh's success wasn't an accident. "He works very hard, he's a student of the game, he takes it very seriously and he's a film watcher," Markiewicz said. "And he loves to play the game."

Cosh, 6-1and 200 pounds, completed 292 of 448 passes (65.2 percent). He threw 12 interceptions and fumbled only once. He also carried the ball 91 times for 161 yards and three touchdowns.

Cosh led No. 6 Arundel (11-2) to the 4A state semifinals, where he threw for 475 yards and five touchdowns in a losing effort.

NICK DEPAOLA Hereford, running back

The 6-1, 206-pound senior was the driving force for the No. 7 Bulls (10-3), carrying the ball 181 times for 1,621 yards and 16 touchdowns, and also catching three passes for touchdowns.

"The three things that set him apart were his work ethic, his very competitive attitude and his speed," Hereford coach Steve Turnbaugh said.

DePaola also played strong defense. A free safety, DePaola recorded 36 tackles, one fumble recovery, seven pass breakups and five interceptions - one returned 102 yards for a touchdown. DePaola is being recruited by Towson and Rutgers.

BEAU HAWORTH Archbishop Spalding, lineman

A dedicated weight trainer, Haworth used his 6-7, 290-pound frame to flatten the opposition and open holes for the Cavaliers' running game. The senior was credited with 50 "pancakes," in which he knocked opposing linemen on their backs.

Despite his size, Haworth moved smoothly along the line, exhibiting his ability to contribute to pulling plays. He was also an asset on defense on goal-line stands.

Haworth has been named to the Crab Bowl, a game for Maryland all-stars. He will attend Navy.

ALEX KIRSCH Eastern Tech, lineman

The Mavericks' senior tackle helped anchor an offensive line that made holes for six running backs who each rushed for more than 260yards.

Kirsch, who did not start as a junior, worked hard in the offseason to strengthen his 6-3, 339-pound frame. His efforts helped the Mavericks (13-1) finish as the 2A state runner-ups for the second straight season.

He is drawing interest from Division I schools such as Albany and Robert Morris.

ALEC LEMON Arundel, receiver

Regarded by some as the best player in the state, Lemon caught just about everything thrown at him over the past season. In 13games, he caught 103passes for 1,616yards (15.7yards per catch) and 23touchdowns. He tied state records for receptions and touchdowns and set one for receiving yards.

The 6-2, 185-pound senior also rushed for 214yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries, and he ran back 22 kickoffs for 531 yards (24.1-yard average) and one touchdown. Against Severna Park in the 4A East regional final, Lemon scored twice on the defensive side - on a fumble recovery and an interception.

Arundel coach Chuck Markiewicz said Lemon has natural talent but also has worked hard to refine his skills.

Lemon has accepted a full scholarship to Syracuse.

DOUG SHAW Loyola, lineman

Loyola coach Brian Abbott said the senior was the team's hardest-working player. When Loyola needed a first down, it was Shaw who led the way.

With Shaw blocking, the Dons had better than a 60percent success rate on third-down conversions and were 90percent on fourth down. On defense, opposing teams tried double-teaming him, and he still made 53 tackles, 11 for losses, with six sacks and one forced fumble.

Shaw, a two-time All-Metro first-team pick, has been selected to the BTC All-Star game and is looking at several Division I and Division II schools.

DAVE STINEBAUGH Perry Hall, tight end

This senior is nearly a whole football team wrapped in a single package. He played three positions on offense - primarily tight end - and four on defense, including linebacker and safety. And he punted.

"He's the most instinctive player I've ever been around," said his coach, Keith Robinson. "His understanding of the game, it's like having a coach on the field."

Over his Perry Hall career, Stinebaugh had 146receptions for 2,530 yards, a 17.3-yards-per-catch average and 37touchdowns. This season, he caught 45 passes for 632 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, he made 81 tackles, deflected eight passes and made seven interceptions. He also recovered five fumbles and returned two for touchdowns.

This is Stinebaugh's second first-team All-Metro appearance. He is committed to Maryland.

SCOTT TRENCH River Hill, kicker

He has been River Hill's not-so-secret weapon. The 6-1, 170-pound senior, who can double as a tight end or linebacker, has kicked off 75 times this season, resulting in 28 touchbacks.

Trench also connected on 57 of 61 extra-point tries and kicked a 27-yard field goal in the 1A state championship game. It was the first field goal of his River Hill career. "We usually go for it on fourth down," he said. Converting the kick added to a season he said provided "total satisfaction."

Trench hopes to play football next year, but he is choosing a school based on its math and science programs. Among the schools he is interested in are Lehigh, Boston College, Vanderbilt and Harvard.

ANTHONY WATTERS Dunbar, lineman

At 6-1 and 235 pounds, Watters anchored an offensive line that made it possible for Tavon Austin, Jonathan Perry and Davon Muse to operate so well in the Poets' backfield.

Austin, a three-time Baltimore Sun Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 2,660 yards and 34touchdowns this season, Perry completed 60percent of his passes for 1,771yards, and Muse rushed for 967 yards.

Watters, a senior, is often credited with out-thinking his opponents. He has also been a major contributor on defense, with 64tackles and nine sacks.